B&W Trailer Hitches Patriot 18K Rail Mounted Slider Fifth Wheel Hitch

Curated from 142 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: October 6, 2024

B&W Trailer Hitches Patriot 18K Rail Mounted Slider Fifth Wheel Hitch

Brand: B&W Trailer Hitches
Price: $899
Snoop Score:
6.4
Sentiment
7.6
Popularity
9.5
Technical
5.0

Snoop's Take

The B&W Trailer Hitches Patriot 18K Rail Mounted Slider Fifth Wheel Hitch - RVK3270 is designed to provide a secure and reliable towing experience for RV enthusiasts. This hitch features a fully articulating head that allows for smooth pivoting, making it easier to maneuver while towing heavy loads. Consumer feedback highlights that B&W hitches are regarded as the best on the market, with users praising their ease of use and stability. Many reviews mention, "B&W is the best; release handle is easy, locking system is easy," indicating satisfaction with its user-friendly design. Additionally, the lightweight split design allows for easy installation, which further enhances its appeal among users looking for convenience. However, some users have noted the frustrating alignment process for the hitch ball as a drawback. Overall, the B&W Trailer Hitches Patriot Slider is highly recommended for those in the market for a reliable fifth wheel hitch. The combination of high-quality construction, positive user sentiment, and strong warranty support makes it a top choice among towing solutions.

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Positive Feedback

This is a great hitch, and while true it's impact to the bed is minimal, it really sucks lining the ball up each time.

Negative Feedback
Product
6.4
B&W Trailer Hitches Patriot 18K Rail Mounted Slider Fifth Wheel Hitch
Heavy-Duty Towing
5 / 10
Daily RV Use
10 / 10
Off-Road Adventures
7 / 10
Ease of Installation
5 / 10
See how this compares to all Fifth Wheel Hitch

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
B&W hitches are considered the best on the market.
Their the best hitches on the market.
B&W all the way.
WORK. TRUCK.
A dually is such a pain that nobody drives them unless they need them.
American-made with a strong warranty.
Can I just buy any fifth wheel hitch? I know to research the basics like what is the hitch’s ratings
B&W hitches are highly regarded for their quality.
The best fixed fifth wheel hitch on the market is the B&W.
B&W is a great brand with high weight ratings.
The locking handle is easy to use.
B&W is the best. release handle is easy, locking system is easy, and it flexes on an X and Y axis.
Easy to lift and install due to split design
It separates into two pieces which makes it much easier to lift in and out of the bed.
Stable towing experience with less trailer movement
It feels more stable with less trailer movement transferred to the steering.
Highly regarded for towing stability
We didn't experience the ride issues with the B&W Companion. The B&W Companion is easy to hitch and unhitch, good ride.
Easy to use compared to other hitches
Only thing in the truck bed is the hitch ball which is easy to take in and out compared to a kingpin hitch.
Highly regarded for versatility with different trailers
I can flip this and tow any of my three different ones.
Lightweight and easy to install.
Plus it's super light, so easy to put in and out of the truck.
B&W hitches are considered high-quality options
Is this a normal price? For some reason I was thinking it would be a little over $2k.
The B&W hitch cost a little more, but not enough for $4200 to make sense.
Ease of installation compared to others
I installed my Anderson hitch in 15 minutes using the factory puck system.

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Frustrating alignment process for hitch ball
This is a great hitch, and while true it's impact to the bed is minimal, it really sucks lining the ball up each time.
This thing isn’t designed all that well.
Can become a rattle trap during use
Hearing a hitch going clunk, clunk, clunk is rather unpleasant.
Concerns about Andersen hitch reliability under load
I would never use the Anderson. It is prone to failure under loads regular hitches handle without problem.
Agreed would not buy/use Andersen because of vandalism acts.
High installation cost for B&W hitches
That seems really expensive.

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3.9
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Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Weight ratings and compatibility with trucks are important factors.
There's no way I would scrimp on a hitch. The puck system is great, easy in and out in case you need the full bed.
Discussion on towing capacity and compatibility
Can anyone help us figure out if our truck is capable to safely tow this RV?
I’m unsure how to calculate it, that’s why I’m asking for help.
Your hitch cuts it close, but your truck itself is fine.
Sounds like your weak link is the hitch, but it’s still rated for more than the camper weighs.
Discussion on hitch systems and their versatility
No more heavy hitch to take in and out between trips.
Light to put in and out and smooth while towing.
Discussion on different hitch types and brands
Any recommendations or ones to stay away from?
It has been a great hitch.
Reese makes great products, I'm a huge fan.
Discussion about various hitch options and their strengths
This one looks way sturdier than the cheap ones, but based on what others cost this one would probably be upwards of $300.
It is as thick as a normal reciever pin, look at it in his hands and his hands next to the hole its 1/2 inch at least.
Discussion about various truck bed mounting systems.
This means mounting points in the truck bed, you need to buy the hitch separately.
Inserting the ball requires zero bolts or adjustments and will save your back from needing load or unload a fiver hitch every time.
Discussion on trailer hitch safety features
Gatekeeping Masculinity and Trailer Hitches
For those wondering there are multiple things wrong: - the wiring for the trailer lights is not properly hooked up
if the ball failed, instead of the chain keeping the trailer attached it would simply remove the pin and the trailer would be completely unattached to the tow vehicle.
Seems a preferable way to have the ball fail is some situation if the alternative would be whatever you're towing held by that dinky chain.

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Discussion on alternative hitch options
that hitch was a pita to get into and out of the truck.
biggest plus is it’s super easy to remove when you need the bed back.
Anderson is popular and very cost friendly if you have a roll over ball.
we were in a rush because of a incoming hurricane when we bought ours.
Discussion on alternative hitch options.
Curt makes the best option.
Users discuss trailer hitch setups for multi-pro tailgates.
Take ball out when not using.
Suggestions to rent trucks with goose balls.
Enterprise rents 1ton single wheel with goose balls in bed.

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Suggestions for selling a fifth wheel hitch
I'm looking for suggestions (other than Facebook) on where to list it.
They may even be interested in taking it off your hands if the price is right.
I guess you could try the places that sell 5th wheels.
Comparisons with other hitch brands.
The light weight of the Curt is appealing.
I don’t think you can go wrong with the Companion.
B&W is compared favorably against other brands.
It’s perfect and well worth the money.
Discussion on hitch height adjustments
Overall it’s an awesome hitch and matches the truck perfectly.
Don’t think a 4” drop is available for the multipro tailgate.
I use it at the max height setting for my cargo trailer and drop it down a notch or two for my 5x8 utility trailer.
you must turn balls to behind hitch, otherwise, gate WILL hit ball.
General chatter about ordering the hitch
Thanks I just ordered one of these!
Discussion comparing B&W Companion to Andersen hitch
From the reviews I've just about talked myself into the companion, but one RV dealer showed me the Andersen and it looked pretty interesting.
Discussion around pricing and installation of various hitches
I'd drive a long ways to save 1k.
my price was about $2700 for everything.

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Emphasis on the importance of hitch safety and ratings
Maybe a little close on the hitch.... but hitches are easily replaced, and cheap especially used.
Concerns about gooseneck attachments for trailers
12 years in the rv business and I'm not aware of any pinbox manufacturer (for an rv) that endorses use of a gooseneck attachment...
Lippert themselves sells gooseneck pinbox adapters that don't void the warranty.
General conversation on towing capacities and safety
Any solid hitch will be rated higher and depending on what he's towing that may be important.
If he’s running a bunch of different trailers that just have different heights however, this would be handy.
Concerns about strength and safety of non-bolted hitches.
Anything less than bolting to the frame won’t be strong enough. Obviously not suitable for rental trucks.
The whole point is that the thing is bolted down tight.

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